Lesson 1Naphthenes (cycloalkanes): structures (cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane), occurrence in naphtha/kerosene, uses and effects on fuel propertiesCovers cycloalkane shapes and forms, focusing on cyclohexane and methylcyclopentane. Looks at where they show up in naphtha and kerosene, refinery making paths, and effects on density, octane, and smoke point.
Cycloalkane structures and conformationsCyclohexane and methylcyclopentane examplesOccurrence in naphtha and kerosene cutsRefinery processes forming naphthenesEffects on octane, density and smoke pointLesson 2Olefins (alkenes): sources (cracking units), examples (ethylene, propylene, butenes), reactivity, impact on stability and polymer feedstock useLooks at olefin shapes, sources from cracking units, and examples like ethylene, propylene, and butenes. Talks about high reactivity, gum and deposit buildup, and value as polymer and petrochemical feeds.
Structural features of olefins and isomersSteam and fluid catalytic cracking sourcesEthylene, propylene and butenes examplesReactivity, oxidation and gum formationPolymer and petrochemical feedstock rolesLesson 3Isoparaffins (branched alkanes): structural features, examples (iso-octane), origin in fractions and catalytic reforming, importance for gasoline octaneFocuses on isoparaffins, their branched shapes and examples like iso-octane. Explains making in isomerisation and reforming units, and why they're key for high-octane, low-knock petrol mixes.
Structural features of branched alkanesIso-octane as an octane reference fuelIsomerization and reforming formation pathsVolatility and combustion of isoparaffinsUse in premium and reformulated gasolinesLesson 4Paraffins (n-alkanes): general formula, representative molecules (n-pentane, n-octane), refinery sources and major usesIntroduces straight paraffins, their general formula, and series. Reviews key molecules like n-pentane and n-octane, their boiling spans, refinery sources, and roles in petrol, kerosene, diesel, and wax.
General formula and homologous series conceptPhysical trends across n-alkane seriesRepresentative n-pentane and n-octane usesRefinery units producing normal paraffinsRoles in gasoline, diesel and wax productsLesson 5Cetane number fundamentals: molecular features that raise or lower cetane and relevance to diesel ignition qualityLooks into cetane number as diesel ignition measure, linking molecule shape to ignition delay. Discusses straight paraffins, branches, rings, aromatics, additives, test ways, and usual spec ranges.
Definition and significance of cetane numberNormal paraffins and high cetane behaviorBranching, rings, aromatics and low cetaneCetane improver additives and treat ratesEngine and CFR test methods for cetaneLesson 6Analytical methods for molecular-class determination: GC, simulated distillation (SIMDIS), PIONA analysis (Paraffins, Isoparaffins, Olefins, Naphthenes, Aromatics)Describes ways to find hydrocarbon classes in fuels. Compares GC, simulated distillation, and PIONA, showing principles, results, resolution limits, and how findings guide blending.
Gas chromatography principles and columnsSimulated distillation for boiling profilesPIONA methodology and class separationData interpretation for refinery blendingLimitations, calibration and quality controlLesson 7Other property correlations: flash point, viscosity, hydrogen content, and how molecular structure controls theseLinks molecule shape to flash point, viscosity, hydrogen content, and safety/performance features. Shows how chain length, branches, and aromaticity shape handling, burn quality, and emissions.
Flash point trends with volatility and cutsViscosity versus chain length and shapeHydrogen to carbon ratio and emissionsLubricity, wear and molecular structureSpecification limits and property tradeoffsLesson 8Functional relationships: how chain length affects volatility, boiling point, and vapor pressureExplains how hydrocarbon chain length sets volatility, boiling point, and vapour pressure. Links forces between molecules and surface area to phase behaviour, distillation curves, cold flow, and fuel evaporation losses.
Intermolecular forces in hydrocarbon chainsBoiling point trends with carbon numberVapor pressure and volatility relationshipsImpact on distillation curves and cut pointsCold flow, evaporation loss and safetyLesson 9Aromatics: benzene, toluene, xylenes — structure, formation routes, distribution in crude fractions, role as petrochemical feedstocks and octane contributorsDetails aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, xylenes, their shapes and making paths. Reviews spread across crude fractions, roles as octane boosters, and importance as petrochemical feeds.
Benzene, toluene and xylene ring structuresFormation in reforming and pyrolysis unitsDistribution in naphtha and heavier cutsOctane contribution in gasoline blendingPetrochemical and solvent applicationsLesson 10Branching vs straight chain: influence on octane number and volatility; use of Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON) conceptsAnalyses how branches versus straight chains affect octane, volatility, and knock resistance. Explains RON and MON meanings, test conditions, sensitivity, and balancing drivability and efficiency in fuel design.
Straight chains and low octane behaviorBranching patterns and octane enhancementVolatility changes with branching degreeDefinitions of RON, MON and sensitivityFuel design using RON and MON targetsLesson 11Rings and aromaticity: influence on density, energy content, soot tendency, and octane; effects on cetane number for dieselChecks ring systems and aromaticity, relating to density, energy, octane, soot tendency. Compares aromatics and naphthenes, explaining opposite effects on petrol octane and diesel cetane.
Aromaticity criteria and ring stabilizationDensity and volumetric energy relationshipsOctane enhancement by aromatics in gasolineSoot and particulate formation tendenciesEffects on diesel cetane and ignition delay
